Abstract

The occurrence of nests of the pine processionary caterpillar (PPC),Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tarns (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae), was recorded in two 9-year-old plots planted withPinus halepensis, P. brutia andP. eldarica in a randomized block design. Nest density was highest inP. eldarica and lowest inP. halepensis. The mean number of nests per tree and their frequency distribution indicate that the preference of the PPC is in the order P.eldarica >P brutia >P. halepensis;it is believed to be related to shape of the tree. Planting ofP. eldarica in camping sites is not recommended, due to its high susceptibility to colonization by the PPC.